POLICE are urging people to be vigilant after needles were discovered in a park's play area in Fingerpost - and have vowed to find "whoever has done this".

The needles were found in Nanny Goat Park, some upturned on play equipment, on Saturday (May 14), as reported by the Star over the weekend.

Officers say this is thought to be an isolated incident but still advise people using play areas in town to be on alert.

Police are liaising with St Helens Council and carrying out patrols in the area, checking parks and providing reassurance to people.

Inspector Dave Brennan, from Merseyside Police, said: "This is a worrying incident and it is only due to the vigilance of members of the public that nobody is believed to have been hurt by the needles.

"They appear to have been deliberately pushed into a swing and left near the slide.

"This is very dangerous and whoever has done this clearly has no concern for the safety of children who may be playing in the area.

"Fortunately the mother of a child spotted the needle on the swing before a child could use it, but other children playing may not have been aware of what they could have found.

"We are taking this seriously and doing all we can to trace whoever is responsible.

"At this stage it appears to be an isolated incident in the town and there have been no further reports of any similar incidents in St Helens.

"Clearly this is very concerning and I would urge the public to be vigilant and report any similar incidents to police immediately."

St Helens Council has placed staff on high alert and instructed park rangers, cleaners and grounds maintenance teams to remain extra vigilant as they go about their duties in parks across the borough.

Park users - especially those visiting play areas are being urged to check equipment before allowing children to use it.

St Helens Council's cabinet member for transport, housing and community safety, Councillor Richard McCauley, said: "This was an horrific incident and I shudder to think what the potential consequences could have been. We are working with the police to apprehend those responsible but in the meantime everyone should take great care - and check play equipment before using it."

A spokesperson for thew council said equipped children's play area areas within parks are inspected and cleansed on a daily basis throughout the week by staff - and patrols are carried out at weekends.

The spokesperson added: "The council also responds immediately to collect discarded hypodermic needles reported by the public."

Anyone with any information is urged to call Merseyside Police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

A household medical waste collection service can be accessed via sthelens.gov.uk/clinicalwaste.